Investigation of Ice Island Scouring on the Northern Continental Shelf of Alaska.
Abstract
Ice Islands (Tabular Ice Bergs) which break off the Ice Shelf of Ellsmere Island have been known to ground on the northern coast of Alaska. This survey was conducted to investigate the bottom deformation (scour) occurring when such islands ground. The detailed survey used Side Scanning Sonar, Sub Bottom Profiling, and detailed bathymetry from a Coast Guard Icebreaker in water depths of 50' - 200' on the northern continental shelf of Alaska between 29 Jul and 3 August 1971. Approximately 120 miles of detailed tracks between Harrison Bay and Barter Island were surveyed. The Side Scan Sonar records complemented by the bathymetry and sub-bottom records revealed areas of extensive bottom scouring, believed to be due to grounded ice features; either ice islands or deep pressure ridges. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0786127
Entities
People
- Bruce C. Skinner
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Academy